
The Ultimate Trust Checklist for Real Estate Pros
In real estate, trust isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s everything. Whether you’re working with clients, colleagues, or partners, your reputation is built on how reliable and authentic you are. But how do you know if you’re truly trusted?
Years ago, leadership expert Dan McCarthy outlined a checklist to assess trustworthiness. It’s still just as relevant today—especially in real estate. Take a minute to reflect and see how many of these apply to you.
Signs You Might Need to Build More Trust:
You don’t always follow through on what you say you’ll do.
You tend to overpromise and underdeliver.
Your actions feel inconsistent or unpredictable.
You avoid tough conversations by agreeing just to keep the peace.
You keep personal details completely off-limits, making it hard for people to connect with you.
You struggle to complete projects or see commitments through to the end.
Your reputation suggests you’re not as reliable as you should be.
You hesitate to take a stand when it matters.
You don’t actively listen or show genuine interest in what others care about.
You engage in gossip or share confidential information.
You make decisions without explaining the reasoning behind them.
You frequently change your mind or plans without clear communication.
You come across as unsympathetic or lacking in compassion.
You struggle to admit mistakes or acknowledge your weaknesses.
You misrepresent others’ viewpoints.
You sugarcoat the truth instead of giving it straight.
You view successful colleagues as competition rather than inspiration.
If a few of these hit home, don’t panic—no one is perfect. The key is recognizing patterns and making small but meaningful changes.
Why Trust Matters in Real Estate
Trust is the foundation of strong relationships. Agents who are seen as dependable, honest, and consistent naturally draw in more business and keep existing clients coming back. People want to work with someone they feel secure with—someone they know has their best interests at heart.
On the flip side, if trust is lacking, word spreads fast. A shaky reputation can make every transaction harder than it needs to be. But when you actively build trust, you create a solid foundation that keeps people coming to you time and time again.
How to Strengthen Your Trust Factor
Follow through on commitments—every time.
Communicate openly and honestly, even when it’s tough.
Show up consistently and be reliable.
Be transparent about your decisions and the reasoning behind them.
Take responsibility when things don’t go as planned.
Support and celebrate the success of those around you.
Be an active listener and show genuine interest in others’ needs.
Being a trusted real estate professional isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real, reliable, and committed to doing the right thing.
Want to take your real estate business to the next level? Get your free copy of A Realtor’s Guide to $100K—packed with strategies to boost your income and build lasting success. Call or text 855-935-MORE to claim yours today!